Researchers have developed a flow-based high-throughput screening technology that off

ers a faster, safer and less expensive means of identifying optimum conditions for performi

ng high-pressure/high-temperature catalytic chemical reactions. The technique focuses on 

hydroformylation reactions, which are used to create a variety of commercial products.

"Hydroformylation reactions are industrial processes that are used to make everything from 

plasticizers to detergents," says Milad Abolhasani, corresponding author of a paper on the 

work and an assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at North Carolina 

State University. "The testing and analysis process for evaluating a single set of conditions 

using conventional techniques normally takes days. We can now do it in about 30 minutes."

"Eastman uses the homogenous hydroformylation process to make secondary materials 

included in many products that enhance our quality of life in a material way, such as paints, 

pharmaceuticals and inks," says Dawn Mason, the external innovation manager at Eastman 

Chemical Company. "Being able to provide technological improvements in a safer and more 

expeditious manner than previously available is what makes our partnership with NC State 

successful."

The new technique uses extremely small samples—on the order of 11 microliters, rather tha

n the milliliters used in conventional techniques. The new technique also integrates reagent 

preparation, reaction processes and analysis into a single sequence.